Kiwi Rider June 2022 Vol.1 | Page 21

the aim of improving my position on the bike that will allow me to ride without the current limitations . Personally , I have the maximum motivation and enthusiasm to continue working and to make the effort to return to compete at the highest level .” Once the postoperative period has been completed , he will return to Spain to begin his recovery . Doctors will then assess Marquez ’ s condition and his recovery period .

CFMOTO is taking aim squarely at Kawasaki ’ s popular Ninja 400 with its next lightweight sportbike offering , the

450SR . Expected to arrive in New Zealand later this year , full specs on the 450SR are yet to be revealed by CFMOTO , but a few have been supplied to us by local distributor Mojo Motorcycles . Powering the 450SR is a 450cc parallel-twin which produces 49.6hp ( 37kW ) at 9500rpm with 39Nm of torque at 7600rpm . CFMOTO has also confirmed through Mojo Motorcycles that this powertrain will also be utilised by KTM , with whom CFMOTO has had a partnership since 2013 , in the upcoming KTM 490 range of motorcycles .
Including a brimmed 14-litre tank , the whole package is claimed to weigh in at just 168kg . Combine that with the ( almost ) 50hp peak power and Brembo stoppers ( backed by Bosch ABS ) and the package looks very attractive from a performance standpoint . Visually , the 450SR looks the part as well with LED lighting , full fairing and MotoGP inspired winglets for increased downforce . Ok , it is still just a 450 and the effectiveness of those winglets is yet to be fully determined , but , heck , we think it looks cool . Pricing is yet to be announced , but we do know that the bikes are expected to start arriving in Kiwi dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2022 . That should be just in time for the summer club racing season .
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